Comparison of the Culture and PCR Methods to Determine the Prevalence and Antibiotic Resistance of Helicobacter pullorum Isolated from Chicken Thigh Samples in Semnan, Iran

Background: Helicobacter pullorum is among the most frequently reported pathogens in poultry. The present study aimed to compare the culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods to assess the prevalence of H. pullorum isolated from chicken tight samples in Semnan, Iran. The antibiotic resistance pattern of the H. pullorum isolates was also determined for the first time in Iran. Methods: In total, 50 chicken thigh samples were collected from the local retail markets in Semnan city during January-September 2019. The samples were examined using the culture method and biochemical tests, and the final confirmation was based on PCR with the 16S rRNA gene. In addition, antibiotic resistance test was performed using the disc-diffusion method. Results: According to the culture method and biochemical tests, 12 samples (24%) were positive for H. pullorum, eight of which (16%) showed H. pullorum in PCR as well and resistance against nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin. On the other hand, the lowest antimicrobial resistance was observed against colistin, chloramphenicol, and fosfomycin. Conclusion: Our promising findings indicated that PCR based on the 16S rRNA gene may be a valuable and sensitive approach to the detection of H. pullorum in chicken meat.